Comperative investigation of value of "Anaerobic threshold" and "Respiratory compensation point" parameters when determing "Critical exercise power" in sedentary subjects

This study aimed to compare the relationships between anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory compensation point (RCP) and critical power (CP) to determine an optimal exercise training protocol for clinical and sports science.A total of 25 sedentary male subjects performed an incremental exercise test and constant load exercise tests. During incremental exercise, AT and RCP were estimated from ventilation and respiratory gas exchange parameters, evaluated breath-by-breath. Total of 7 different constant load exercise protocols were designed using AT (25% changes) and the mean duration of performed exercise tests were recorded CP was estimated with linear (power-(1/time)) mathematical model using the data obtained from this tests. The significance of estimated CP value was evaluated using Linear Regression Analysis and the paired t-test was used to compare values between the dependent groups.The work rate was found to be 117.2 ? 22 W at AT and 132.8 ? 27 W at RCP. CP values was found to be 141 ? 31 W in 3 test model analysis and 133 ? 27 W in 4 test model analysis. There was a significant correlation between the values estimated from linear regression analysis power-(1/time) models and CP estimated using RCP (R=0.986 p<0.0001). The estimated CP was different from RCP in the 3 test model analysis while a similar CP and RCP values were estimated in 4 test model analysis.As a result in this study:1) It has been shown for the first time that CP reflects the RCP and it can be estimated correctly and easily using pulmonary gas exchange variables.2) CP is completely different from the AT.3) The number of tests used for mathematical modelling to estimate CP and the relation between the work rate used in the constant load exercise test and work rate at RCP are important factors effecting CP estimation. That is, when using mathematical modelling on the estimation of CP use of less than 4 tests and work rates far away from RCP can cause inaccurate estimation.